A thoughtful discussion about self-reflecting leads to a conversation about skin color and making a list of words associated with "beauty." Budding artists use a mirror to examine their features and create a self-portrait. Peers critique...

Students compare a photo of a child's room during the Holocaust to their room. In this WWII lesson, students read picture books and evaluate the roles of characters in the book. Students create either a poster about the roles, a movie...

Students discover the anatomy of a plant by illustrating plant cells.  In this botany lesson plan, students research information about plant cells and draw pictures of cells in a plant journal.  Students organize their notes...

In this St. Michaels worksheet, students draw pictures next to the journal entry of someone visiting St. Michaels, Maryland. Students draw 5 pictures total.

A picture can speak louder than words. An interesting lesson introduces the themes of social justice and diversity to young learners by having them create artwork. Scholars create collages from a variety of sources to showcase what...

Here's a prescription for creativity—keep a daily art journal. Words, images, shapes, objects, all can be used as prompts that exercise the creative imagination. Set aside a couple of moments each day for this engaging activity.

Study history through photographs. In this visual arts and history lesson, students learn to analyze photographs to discover details about life during the Civil War era. Students write journal entries as if they are the African-American...

Students photograph five objects from a bag and five objects from the outdoors. Students categorize things by living and non-living and by properties such as color, size, structure and needs. Students draw conclusions about the basic...

Students simulate an agriculture project. In this sequencing lesson, students observe their classroom pumpkin patch, make journal entries, and predict how the pumpkins will grow. They discuss as a class how to keep their pumpkins safe...

In this journal writing worksheet, students pretend they are on vacation exploring a Coral Reef. They describe what they would see on the journal pages, using as many as they need. They make a cover, draw a picture that goes with their...

Students read a book about World War II and the Holocaust while in small literature circles. They write journal entries and news articles based on the reading.

Learners investigate the method of collage in art in part of a study of Dada and Surrealist art. In this art analysis lesson, students explore how artists incorporated materials from everyday life into their art works. Learners complete...

Second graders explore the concepts of goods, services and community. They go on a community walk, find businesses and logos within their community, read books about communities, and compare various goods and services. They pick a job...

Students explore ear anatomy and the sense of hearing. In this hearing instructional activity, students discuss the five senses and view a model of an ear. Students place cotton balls in their ears to simulate loss of hearing. Students...

Fifth graders research world history by researching democracy. In this dictatorship lesson, 5th graders read the story "The Composition" and identify a list of former dictators on the Internet. Students define several key terms and...

Students write a journal entry describing how a jelly bean is like an idea. They discuss the entries and write why jelly beans are not like an idea. They create an Argus-like poster of one of the ideas and describe how the idea shows...

Young scholars use the internet to research Robert Harris' life and art work. Using this information, they write a journal entry from his point of view and share it with the class. They also paint a picture from a scene of their own...

Students build a friendly environment for future students by creating a PowerPoint presentation.  In this middle school introduction instructional activity, students utilize a camera to record important moments throughout the school...

Have your class create keepsake books about themselves. This activity is a presented as a basic idea with minimal justifications or classroom applications. However, with a little effort, this could become a full lesson. Add a rubric,...

Students examine the Lewis and Clark expedition. They develop skills for historical analysis. They locate a variety of geographic features encountered by the expedition, and create a timeline that documents Lewis and Clark on their journey.

Students read a play and create their own play using Thornton Wilder's Our Townas a resource. In this play lesson, students analyze how theatrical elements contribute to a play's meanings and effects. Students recognize differences...

Students explore different artistic media and techniques used to capture, express, and share summer memories. They research art history and view video clips online to create a piece of online art.

Journaling with words or pictures can be a great way to empty and open your mind. Here's a no fail art lesson that will have you seeing things out of thoughtless lines and squiggles.